Interior designers plan and design spaces and furnish interiors. Interior designers design and furnish the interior of private homes, public buildings, and commercial buildings such as offices or hotels. They may design the inside of boats, planes, or other enclosed spaces. They also plan additions or remodels to homes or other buildings. Some interior designers specialize in furnishing private homes. Some specialize in particular rooms of homes, such as kitchens or baths.
Watch a video on Interior Design ideas or read on to learn more about interior designers.
Be prepared! You'll be working very closely with your interior designer, and therefore want someone who you get along with and who has a similar style as you. Make a list of questions and conduct several phone interviews.
Interior designers first meet with clients to learn what they want. They consider the client's tastes, budget, and safety needs. They also consider how the space will be used, such as for entertaining, cooking, or relaxing. When designing for a business, they consider the purpose of the space, such as selling merchandise or meeting clients. Designers also consider the physical details of the space and whether it should be remodeled. They measure the space so they know the exact dimensions. In addition, they consider local building codes and standards for access to public buildings.
Interior designers draw first sketches for the client. These include plans for interior remodeling, furnishings, lights, and finishing touches such as color. They meet again with the client to advise and get feedback. Interior designers often use Computer Aided Design (CAD). This is a program that prints a detailed design from a computer drawing. These designs can be changed easily to include ideas from the client. When the client accepts the design, interior designers create a detailed plan. Included in the plan is an estimate for costs and materials that will be needed. The plan may also include designs for furnishings.
Interior designers submit the plan to government agencies if major remodeling is involved. When the plan gets final approval, designers may oversee the subcontractors who do the work. They may hire people who install carpet or light fixtures, or paint and hang wallpaper. Designers may also select and purchase furnishings, such as furniture or artwork. Interior designers who work for large firms may also supervise assistants throughout the job.
Interior Designers perform the following activities on a regular basis:
Meet with clients to determine their taste and budget and how the space will be used.
View the space for physical details. Take notes and measurements.
Advise the client on interior design factors, such as space planning and color coordination.
Consider state and local building codes when remodeling work will be done.
Prepare first sketches, by hand or with the aid of a computer, for approval by the client.
Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create a detailed design.
Estimate costs and materials.
Submit final design plan to the client for approval.
Submit plan for approval to government agencies when remodeling work will be done.
May design or select and purchase furnishings, art works, and accessories.
May hire and oversee subcontractors who install carpets, light fixtures, or wall coverings.
Sometimes supervise assistants.
Source Information:
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Department of Economic Development
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Be prepared! You'll be working very closely with your interior designer, and therefore want someone who you get along with and who has a similar style as you. Make a list of questions and conduct several phone interviews.